One of the great success stories of medical research in recent years has been in the understanding and control of high blood pressure, Before 1950 there was virtually no treatment and high blood pressure often resulted in strokes, heart failure and sometimes blindness. The basic cause of the condition, namely undue constriction of the small … Read more
In patients with so much damage to the heart that the disturbance of rhythm is permanent, it is now possible to install electrical devices which will stimulate the damaged heart on a regular continuous basis. Hearts which have actually stopped beating can be started again by electrical stimulation.By this means alone, many thousands of patients … Read more
Together with the spectacular achievements of the surgeons, there have one of the most serious threats to life and health in all advanced and developed nations. While we have not yet succeeded in curing it, it has been possible to cut the danger of a coronary attack down to half what it was at one … Read more
All this gives us knowledge on which to base a safe and accurate operation. At the same time, the difficulties of the operation itself thought to be so great as to make heart surgery almost impossible has been the development of the heart- lung bypass machine, which makes it possible to maintain the patient’s circulation … Read more
Thirty years ago, heart surgery was virtually unknown. Since then it has developed with what Sir Thomas Holmes Sellors has described as “almost explosive violence”. This has been made possible, not so much by increased surgical skill, as by the use of techniques and devices developed by research workers. Research has improved the accuracy of … Read more
Drugs maybe used for two different reasons either to relieve symptoms or to prevent a further heart attack. Details about individual drugs are available from the British Heart Foundation booklet “Medicines for the Heart” (HIS 6). Drugs that are used for treatment of angina include nitrates (especially glyceryl trinitrate), beta-blockers and calcium antagonists. Drugs to … Read more
Most patients are free of major symptoms after a heart attack, but some complaints are quite common: … Read more
Most patients are free of major symptoms after a heart attack, but some complaints are quite common: Angina Angina is a discomfort in the chest due to insufficient blood reaching the heart muscle. It is situated mainly in the center of the chest but may be felt on either side of it or in the … Read more
Heart Attack: While most patients can get back to their previous way of life, if they are to make the best recovery and reduce the risk of a further attack, important modifications may have to be made. Diet It is not good for the heart to have to carry about too much weight. All heart … Read more
A heart attack can be a nasty and frightening experience, particularly for those who have enjoyed excellent health previously. It is not surprising that many patients react to this situation with fear and anxiety, which may be aggravated by the severity of the pain, the evident distress of the family, and by being transported into … Read more